Giulio Ferrari Riserva del Fondatore Magnum Vertical Tasting

During the Gambero Rosso Awards for 2019 held in Rome, a unique vertical tasting was kindly offered by the new ‘Winery of the Year’ Ferrari Trento – Giulio Ferrari vintages were tasted from a small handful of highly respected wine journalists including Glass of Bubbly – Here are Christopher Walkey’s tasting notes:

Giulio Ferrari’ Riserva del Fondatore 2007: “It’s Ferrari, it’s Giulio Ferrari and it’s a magnum so you know you are going to embrace magic. Delicate citrus, pastry, honey and yellow stone fruit aromas. Magnificent flavours expressed – initially dry citrus, then smooth brioche and honey hints with mouthwatering fresh yellow fruit ending.”

Giulio Ferrari’ Riserva del Fondatore 1989: “Soft and expressive. Honey, blossom, sea breeze, yellow fruits on the nose. Crisp and soft citrus initially then toasty and elegant taste length.”

Giulio Ferrari’ Riserva del Fondatore 2004: “Lively citrus, toasty and honey flavours offered from this wonderful magnum. Certainly crisp and fresh though as it breathes and reduces down to room temperature it really expresses flavour complexity of tropical, yellow rose petals and more.”

Giulio Ferrari’ Riserva del Fondatore 1999: “Toast, sweet citrus, tropical aromas. Crisp subtle citrus and buttered toast flavours with salty mineral hints.”

Giulio Ferrari’ Riserva del Fondatore 2005: “Lively perlage in the glass. Many aromas to include citrus, white rose petals, sea breeze, brioche. Crisp and refreshing yellow fruit / citrus flavours with subtle toast, honey and minerals in the background.”

Giulio Ferrari’ Riserva del Fondatore 1994: “Dreamy aromas of yellow fruits, rose petals, buttered toast, honeycomb. Delicate flavours with an orchestra of different notes including fresh green fruits, tropical, honey, burnt toast, butter. This magnum is such an impressive bottle of vintage bubbly.”

Giulio Ferrari’ Riserva del Fondatore 2000: “Mixture of butter, toast, sea breeze and yellow fruits on the nose. Crisp and dry initial flavours, minerals, citrus, distant yeast and butter.”

Giulio Ferrari’ Riserva del Fondatore 1992: “Aromas of sultanas, tropical, caramel, sea breeze and more. Citrus and yellow fruits on initial taste followed by minerals, lemon curd and more… ”

Giulio Ferrari’ Riserva del Fondatore 2006: “Toffee, sea breeze, dark chocolate, citrus hints, butter and more from an amazing aroma. Flavours are refreshing, crisp, citrus and minerals.”

Giulio Ferrari’ Riserva del Fondatore 1997: ” Honey, sea breeze, mango, citrus, pastry aromas. Enjoyable flavours that are clean and crisp, minerals and more.”

Giulio Ferrari’ Riserva del Fondatore 2001: “Toasty, honey, yellow fruits, sea breeze nose. Crisp and very refreshing flavours mostly delicate citrus, dried apricots, pastry and minerals.”

Giulio Ferrari’ Riserva del Fondatore 1986: “Deep and complex aromas of rich dried apricots, dates, caramel, lemon curd and so much more. Taste gives plum, dried apricots, citrus, red apples, minerals, truffles and more.”